System and method for selecting and altering a training session

ABSTRACT

The disclosed embodiments include a system and method for improving corporate employee work performance. The disclosed embodiments provide an innovative approach to optimizing the talent and resources within an organization including, but not limited to, an individual employee, teams of employees, and to executives within the organization. Through the application of a multivariate model based on physiological, affective, and behavioral systems, the disclosed embodiments attempt to improve an employee&#39;s vitality, vibrancy, wellness, and overall work performance.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Applications No.61/544,999, 61/544,989; and 61/544,975, filed on Oct. 7, 2011, this inthe name of inventors Douglas Drane, Eileen McDonald, and Pilar Angel,which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Employee inefficiency in the business world cost corporations billionsof dollars each year. Factors that may contribute to employeeinefficiency include lack of motivation, enthusiasm, attention,creativity, flexibility/adaptability, sleep deprivation, boredom, andthe inability to handle stress efficiently. Whether an employee isunderperforming, performing normally, and/or performing at anexceptional level, every corporation can benefit from training employeesto better handle any of the above factors in order to improve employeeefficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed embodiments include a system and method for improvingcorporate employee efficiency. The disclosed embodiments provide aninnovative approach to optimizing the talent and resources within anorganization including, but not limited to, an individual employee,teams of employees, and to executives within the organization. Throughthe application of a multivariate model based on physiological,affective, and behavioral systems, the disclosed embodiments are capableof improving an employee's vitality, vibrancy, wellness and overall workperformance.

As an example, in certain embodiments, the system uses real-timephysiological measurements to identify how the body functions while itperforms daily activities and challenges. The system allows individualsto become aware of actions and behaviors that limit peak performance.This multivariate performance optimization model gathers high qualityinformation by using multiple feedback loops in parallel to giveindividuals the chance to change those actions and remove the obstacles,resulting in optimal performance that will ultimately impact and benefita company as a whole.

For instance, in one embodiment, a method for improving work-relatedperformance of a participant is disclosed that includes obtainingreal-time physiological information of the participant before and duringa training session. The real-time physiological information includesinformation indicating how the participant physically and mentallyreacts to training information during the training session. The methoddynamically alters the training information presented during thetraining session based at least on the real-time physiologicalinformation to attain a desired result.

The disclosed system may include a data storage component for storingdata and executable instructions. The system may also include acommunication interface configured to receive real-time physiologicalinformation of the participant. The real-time physiological informationincludes information indicating how the participant physically andmentally reacts to training information during a training session thatis intended to improve the participant's work-related performance. Thesystem further includes at least one processor configured to execute theexecutable instructions to dynamically alter the training informationduring the training session based at least on the real-timephysiological information to attain a desired result.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which areincorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of the disclosedsystem in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 1A illustrates examples of physiological and neurological measuringdevices that may be utilized in the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the architecture of a system inaccordance with one of the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for selecting one of aplurality of training programs for a participant in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a training program;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a learning style assessmentquestionnaire in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an intelligence questionnaire inaccordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a respiratory fitness trainingsession;

FIG. 8 illustrates a method for improving work-related performance inaccordance with the disclosed embodiments; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a method directed towards improving creativity,memory, relaxation, and sleep in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed embodiments and advantages thereof are best understood byreferring to FIGS. 1-9 of the drawings, like numerals being used forlike and corresponding parts of the various drawings. Other features andadvantages of the disclosed embodiments will be or will become apparentto one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the followingfigures and detailed description. It is intended that all suchadditional features and advantages be included within the scope of thedisclosed embodiments. Further, the illustrated figures are onlyexemplary and are not intended to assert or imply any limitation withregard to the environment, architecture, design, or process in whichdifferent embodiments may be implemented.

Beginning with FIG. 1, a block diagram illustrating an overview of acorporate training system 100 is depicted in accordance with one of thedisclosed embodiments. In accordance with the disclosed embodiments, thecorporate training system 100 is utilized to train corporate employees(e.g., employee 150) for improving work-related performance. The terms“employee” and “participant” as referenced herein refers to any personutilizing the disclosed embodiments for improving work performance andis not limited to any particular level or status of a person within anorganization. For example, the disclosed embodiments may be utilized toimprove work performance of, but not limited to, corporate executives,engineers, and staff employees. Similarly, the term corporate, asreferenced herein, is not limited to any particular type or size of abusiness or organization. For instance, the corporate training system100 may be utilized by a solo business owner for improving his/her ownwork-related performance. In addition, the term work-related performanceis not limited to tasks perform only at a work location. Non-limitingexamples of work-related performance includes increasing attention span,creativity, relaxation, lowering stress, improving balance and focusduring multitasking or stressful situations, improving sleep quality,improving flexibility or adaptability to changing conditions, andimproving memory.

In the depicted embodiment, the corporate training system 100 monitorsand evaluates in real time the physiological and neurological changes ofan employee during certain activities. The activities may be every daywork-related activities, non-work-related activities, and/or computergenerated activities. The computer generated activities may be producedto elicit, stimulate, evaluate, and/or monitor for certain reactions ofa participant. For instance, the corporate training system 100 may beconfigured to communicate with a plurality of physiological andneurological measuring devices 120 for capturing the physiological andneurological changes of a participant during a computer generatedactivity designed to evaluate a participant's reaction to a stressfulsituation.

Referring to FIG. 1A, in one embodiment, the plurality of physiologicaland neurological measuring devices 120 may include, but not limited to,a neurofeedback device 121, a capnometer device 122, a biofeedbackdevice 123, a heart rate variability (HRV) sensor 124, a QuantitativeElectroencephalographic (QEEG) device 125, an Electro-Interstitial Scan(EIS) Device 126, a respiratory sensor 127, a skin conductance sensor128, and a temperature sensor 129. The following is a nonlimitingdescription of each of the above devices:

The neurofeedback device 121 provides real-time information to thecorporate training system 100 regarding the neurological physiologicalstate/function of the employee. As an example, the neurofeedback device121 provides information that focuses on the central nervous system andthe brain. In certain embodiments, the information gathered from theneurofeedback device is used to assist in analyzing brain wavebalancing, problem solving, peak performance, and attention/focusissues.

The capnometer device 122 provides real-time information regarding thequality of a participant's breathing, which is important becauserespiratory fitness is essential in bringing the nervous system intobalance. The capnometer device 122 may be configured to measure thecarbon dioxide (C02) retention in the alveoli of the lungs. Datacaptured by the capnometer device 122 provides information regarding howa participant breathes, how their breathing affects them, and providesinformation that helps a participant learn to effectively self-regulatebreathing behavior.

The biofeedback device 123 monitors a participant's physical andemotional responses to stress and provides feedback that helps theparticipant learn how to optimally activate, balance, release andrecover from stress. The biofeedback device 123 utilizes sensors (e.g.,EEG, temperature probe, heart rate, myoscan, skin conductance,respiration) attached to a participant to monitor in real-time thephysiological changes that occur during computer generated activities.The computer generated activities may include a plurality of activetasks and may also include one or one or more resting periods. Theactive tasks may evaluate a set of parameters including, but not limitedto: time pressure, anticipation, competition, multitasking, startle andlearning. Once completed, the corporate training system 100 isconfigured to provide information on how the participant responds to thechallenge such as, but not limited to, how quickly a participantrecovers from a particular challenge.

The HRV sensor 124 provides for direct observation of parasympatheticnervous system activity, the subdivision of the autonomic nervous systemthat defines the relaxation-alertness dimension of autonomic regulation.The data gathered from the HRV sensor 124 is an important indicator ofboth physiological resiliency and behavioral flexibility reflecting theindividual's capacity to adapt effectively to challenges.

The QEEG device 125 measures, using digital technology, electricalpatterns at the surface of the scalp which primarily reflect corticalelectrical activity or “brainwaves.” The QEEG device 125 appliesmulti-channel measurements that can determine areas of brain activityand is capable of reading brain activity data from the entire headsimultaneously. In one embodiment, the corporate training system 100utilizes the results for topographic brain mapping using color maps in2D and 3D to enhance visualization to illustrate the electrical activityof the cerebral cortex.

The EIS Device 126 monitors how the body reacts to challenges in realtime (e.g., physiologic stress). The EIS Device 126 integratesneurophysiology models that describe the way the different systemsregulate the human body in order to maintain it in a well balance state.Discrepancies between the expected behaviors of the different elementsof the body and their actual states are revealed by the measurements. Inone embodiment, the EIS Device 126 can evaluate the tissues of allorgans, 69 physiological parameters, and 19 functional anatomy systemsof the body and provide repeatable clinical precision accurate data withno operator bias. Through Electro Scan Gram (ESG) modeling, the EISDevice 126 develops a complete descriptive human model of the body withthe organs and tissues and provides an indication to where stress isaffecting the overall health.

The respiratory sensor 127 provides information for stress assessmentand breathing training. An example of the respiratory sensor 127 is arespiratory girth sensor used to detect chest or abdominalexpansion/contraction. The respiratory sensor 127 may provide detailedinformation about a person's breathing including providing therespiration waveform and amplitude. The respiratory sensor 127 may beworn over or under a person's clothing.

The skin conductance sensor 128 measures the electrical conductanceacross the skin, which may vary based on the skin's moisture level. Theskin's moisture is produced by sweat glands that are controlled by thesympathetic nervous system, so skin conductance is used as an indicationof psychological or physiological arousal. The skin conductance sensor128 may be connected to a participant's finger(s) or any other portionof a participant for measuring electrical conductance across the skin.The corporate training system 100 uses the information gather from theskin conductance sensor 128 for stress assessment and biofeedback.

In addition, a temperature sensor 129 may be utilized to provide skinsurface temperature. The temperature sensor 129 is operable to measureskin temperature between 10° C.-45° C. (50° F.-115° F.). The corporatetraining system 100 uses the information gather from the temperaturesensor 129, along with other measurements, for stress assessment andbiofeedback.

Although the above devices and sensors have been described as separatedevices, one or more of the above devices and sensors may beincorporated into a single device/sensor. For example, the skinconductance sensor 128 and the temperature sensor 129 may both beincorporated into a single device that is attached to a participant'sfinger. In addition, one or more of the above described devices may bemodified or combined to provide additional information and/orinformation in lieu of that described above. Further, the corporatetraining system 100 may communicate with other sensors or monitoringdevices 130 not depicted in FIG. 1A.

Still, the corporate training system 100 may communicate and/or controlother devices including, but not limited to, an audio/video device 114,a computer 116, and an exercise training device 118. For instance, thecorporate training system 100 may control, communicate, or utilize anaudio and/or video device to present training information that includesaudio-visual information to the participant such as, but not limited to,active imagination sessions as will described in further detail below.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, in addition to receivingphysiological and neurological data from the plurality of physiologicaland neurological measuring devices 120, the corporate training system100 may receive additional information about a participant through theuse of questionnaires 132 and/or through consultations 133 with aparticipant. In one embodiment, the information from questionnaires 132or consultations 133 may be entered directly into the corporate trainingsystem 100. In other embodiments, the corporate training system maycommunicate with one or more local or remote devices for retrieving theinformation from questionnaires 132 or consultations 133. For example, aparticipant may provide information to one or more servers 112 through aWeb portal. The corporate training system 100 may be configured tocommunicate with the servers 112 over a communication network 110, suchas, but not limited to, the Internet, for retrieving the participants'information.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components of thecorporate training system 100 in accordance with one of the embodiments.In the illustrated embodiment, the corporate training system 100includes a processor 200, main memory 202, secondary storage unit 204,an input/output interface module 206, a communication interface module208, and a display module 210. The processor 200 may be any type ofprocessor capable of executing instructions for performing functionsassociated with the corporate training system 100. Main memory 202 isvolatile memory that stores currently executing instructions/data andinstructions/data that are prefetched for execution. The secondarystorage unit 204 is non-volatile memory for storing persistent data. Thesecondary storage unit 204 may be or include any type of data storagecomponent such as a hard drive, a flash drive, or a memory card.

The input/output interface module 206 enables the corporate trainingsystem 100 to receive user input and provide output information to auser or other devices. For example, the input/output interface module206 may include a keyboard interface for receiving keyboard inputs froma user. The input/output interface module 206 may also include amouse/trackball interface for enabling a user to position a pointer on auser interface for selecting or entering data. In some embodiments, theinput/output interface module 206 also provides audio and videocapabilities. For instance, the input/output interface module 206 mayinterface with an internal or external camera for providing videocapturing. The input/output interface module 206 may also enableexternal devices such as printers, USB flash drive, speakers, to beconnected to the corporate training system 100.

The corporate training system 100 may also utilize a communicationinterface module 208 to communicate with other devices/sensors asillustrated in FIG. 1 and/or other devices over a network. For instance,in certain embodiments, the communication interface module 208 enablesthe corporate training system 100 to communicate with other devices overa wired or wireless network (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, Near FieldCommunication/Radio-Frequency Identification (NFC/RFID), etc.) Thenetwork may be a local network or any other type of communicationnetwork such as, but not limited to, the Internet.

The display module 210 enables information to be displayed on aninternal or external display device. In some embodiments, the displaymodule 210 may include instructions or hardware for providingtouchscreen capabilities for receiving user input via the displaydevice. In certain embodiments, the display module 210 may also enablemulti-touch functionalities associated with the display device.

In accordance with the disclosed embodiments, the corporate trainingsystem 100 stores data and instructions for executing a CorporateTraining Program 220 for improving workplace performance of a corporateemployee. The corporate training program 220 includes software moduleshaving instructions that are configured to provide one or more trainingprograms for improving a participant work-related performance. Anexample of the types of software modules that may be included in theCorporate Training Program 220 includes a sensory feedback module 221, auser profile module 222, and an active imagination module 223.

The sensory feedback module 221 may contain algorithms for analyzinginformation received from the one or more sensory devices associatedwith a participant. For example, the sensory feedback module 221 maycompare the brainwave results gathered from the QEEG device 125 to anormative database (Neuroguide) in evaluating a participant's mentalstate.

The user profile module 222 may include instructions for gatheringprofile information about a user (e.g., from questionnaires, aconsultation, etc.). For example, user profile module 222 may includeinstructions for communicating with a remote server or databaseretrieving the user profile information. The user profile module 222 mayalso include instructions for utilizing the user's profile informationalong with sensory feedback information for evaluating a user'scondition and for recommending a particular training program, trainingsession, and/or training information. For instance, in one embodiment,based on the analysis of the user input information (such as, but notlimited to, a participant's goal) and real-time physiologicalinformation that indicates a user's stress levels, the corporatetraining system 100 may automatically select a training program forimproving a particular aspect or aspects related to a participant'swork-related performance.

In accordance with the disclosed embodiments, an employee trainingprogram may include one or more active imagination sessions. An activeimagination (AI) session involves a relaxation/meditation techniquewherein the contents of one's unconscious are translated into images ornarrative in the form of a story/training script. During the activeimagination session, the corporate training system 100 is configured toenable a participant to transform, alter, and control his/her body andhis/her state of consciousness through relaxation and mental training.The conscious mind is awake and participating in the events associatedwith the script during the active imagination session. Thestory/training script may enable the participant to live out parts ofhim/herself that cannot be lived fully in the daily, immediate physicalworld.

The active imagination module 223 of the Corporate Training Program 220may include instructions for automatically or manually selecting anactive imagination (AI) session based on the analysis of a participants'user profile information. For example, the active imagination sessionmay include, select, and/or generate custom audio tracks and/or videosthat are personally designed for each participant based on theirassessment results. As an example, based on a participant's preliminaryassessment, the Active Imagination Module 223 may select an audio trackof Tibetan Bells to enhance coherent breathing to balance the centralnervous system. In some embodiments, the preliminary assessment may alsobe based on receiving user input regarding the participant's profile(e.g., physical profile: age, weight, height, etc.) and/or informationregarding a participant's goals. Examples of goals may include, but arenot limited to, increase attention span, improve creativity or memoryfunctions, improve stress management, and improve sleep. The user inputmay also be from evaluations of a participant, consultations with theparticipant and/or from questionnaires answered by the participant. Forinstance, the evaluations/questionnaires may help determine how theparticipant best learns, his/her intelligence aptitude, and how theparticipant perceives him/herself.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the Active Imagination Module 223may receive real-time neurofeedback results and/or other physiologicalmetrics from the plurality of physiological and neurological measuringdevices 120 during an Active Imagination session. Utilizing thereal-time metrics, the Active Imagination Module 223 dynamically selectsa new active imagination session and/or modifies a current activeimagination session including, but not limited to, altering the type ofinformation being presented to the participant. For instance, during theActive Imagination session, participants may be attached to the QEEGdevice 125 to monitor brainwave changes to identify different states ofawareness. The different types of brainwaves include delta, theta, alphaand beta waves, each of which occurs at various frequencies. Thepresence of alpha waves are an indication of an “idle state” or “ready,but not doing much” state. If alpha waves are present at a fairly highamplitude when a person is awake, this would usually indicate aninattentive, daydream state as is often seen in adolescents and adultshaving attention difficulties. Alpha waves disappear when the mindbecomes mentally busy (e.g., open the eyes, start doing intense mentalwork even with eyes closed). In its place are smaller, quicker “beta”waves, which indicate that the mind is mentally busy.

Based on the analysis of the data received from the QEEG device 125, theActive Imagination Module 223 is able to determine if the participant isunder-engaged, engaged, or overwhelmed during the Active Imaginationsession. The Active Imagination Module 223 is configured to be able toadjust the type of information (e.g., altering a story/training script)being presented to the participant to achieve a balance or desired ratiobetween the different types of wave pattern. For instance, in certainembodiments, the Active Imagination Module 223 may be configured with adecision tree (algorithm) that weighs certain physiological conditionshigher than other physiological conditions. This weighting factor may beuser selected or dynamically selected based on a participants goalsand/or based on any other factor. Thus, the Corporate Training Program220 is configured to provide each participant with real-time customizedtraining based on his/her on goals and current state. By performing theActive Imagination sessions, the Corporate Training Program 220 isconfigured to train a participant to best achieve and maintain a desiredmental level to achieve their desired goal.

In certain embodiments, the real-time physiological information of theparticipant is gathered before, during, and/or after the activeimagination training session. For example, in some embodiments, an EISmeasurement will be taken prior to the Active Imagination session andrepeated directly after the Active Imagination session to evaluatechanges that occurred in the participant's physiology during the ActiveImagination session. As stated above, the real-time physiologicalinformation is received from one or more of the plurality ofphysiological and neurological measuring devices 120. In someembodiments, the corporate training system 100 may be configured tocombine information from multiple devices, such as, but not limited to,the EIS Device 126 and the QEEG device 125, to generate informationabout a single physiological condition.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a flowchart illustrating a method 300 ispresented for selecting one of a plurality of training programs for aparticipant in accordance with one of the embodiments. The processstarts by receiving candidate information about a participant at step302. The candidate information may include a user profile. The userprofile information may include, but is not limited to, age, weight,height, fears, health issues, medication, and any psychological and/orneurological history associated with the participant. As previouslystated, the user profile information may be directly entered into thecorporate training system 100 and/or may be retrieved from one or moreremote devices.

At step 304, the process determines whether the candidate is a viableparticipant for a training program based on the user profileinformation. For example, if the user profile indicates that thecandidate has past psychological and/or neurological issues that wouldaffect training, the process may determine that the candidate is notsuitable for the training program, in which case, the processterminates. As another example, the process may terminate based on adetermination that the candidate is not a viable because the candidateis not susceptible to subconscious and/or conscious training.

If the process determines that the candidate is a viable participant forat least one training program, the process at step 306 proceeds togathering information about a participant's work-related goals. Thetypes of risk related goals may include, but not limited to, increasingattention, performance, flexibility and adaptability, creativity,memory, controlling stress, improving sleep, and improvingmotivation/drive.

Based on the gathered user profile information and the participant'sgoals, the process at step 308 selects one of a plurality of trainingprograms for the participant. In one embodiment, the plurality oftraining programs includes an introductory program 308, a basic program310, and an elite program 312. For example, if the candidate informationidentifies the candidate as someone who is overachieving in theworkplace, the process may proceed to introductory program 308. If theprocess identifies the candidate as normal based on the candidateinformation, the process may proceed to the basic program 310, and ifthe process identifies the candidate as needing additional trainingbeyond normal, the process may proceed to the elite program 312.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a training program. At initial step410, the corporate training system 100 receives a participant'sevaluation data. For instance, a participant may complete one or moreevaluation questionnaires. As an example, a participant may complete alearner questionnaire that used to gather information to assess anddetermine which type of learning style is best suited for the particularparticipant. An example of a learning style assessment questionnaire isillustrated in FIG. 5. Learning styles refer to variations in theparticipant's ability to accumulate and assimilate information. Forinstance, a determination may be made that the participant learns bestby hearing, seeing, touching/kinesthetic, use of repetition and/oranalogies, reading/writing-preferences, etc. Based on the identifiedlearning style, the corporate training system 100 is configured to adapta learning process to fit the individual's needs.

A participant may also complete an intelligence and behaviorquestionnaire(s) that provides an indication of a participant'sawareness of their strengths and weaknesses. The different types ofintelligence include, but not limited to, linguistic and verbal, logicaland mathematical, body and movement, musical, interpersonal, andnaturalist. An example of an intelligence questionnaire is illustratedin FIG. 6. The types of identified behavior may include independent,competitive, perfectionist, assertive, passive, impulsive, andinhibited. The results of the evaluation questionnaires are reviewed andadditional information is gathered during a consultation with theparticipant. Data from the evaluation questionnaires and theconsultation are inputted into the corporate training system 100.

At step 420, the corporate training system 100 receives physiologicalassessment data of the participant. In one embodiment, anelectro-interstitial scan (EIS) is performed on the participant toassess where stress is located in the body, specifically within thenervous system. This information enables the corporate training system100 to evaluate a participant's awareness of how stress affects theirphysiology. The corporate training system 100 is also configured toevaluate and identify discrepancies between the expected behaviors ofthe body, such as the anatomic nervous system, and a participant'sactual state based on the results of the electro-interstitial scan andother monitoring devices to assess whether the participant issympathetic, parasympathetic, or balance.

In addition, an initial breathing assessment is performed on theparticipant using a capnometer (or capnograph), which provides real-timeinformation regarding the quality of the participant's breathing. In oneembodiment, if the corporate training system 100 identifies an imbalance(e.g., a participant's CO₂ level is below normal range) on the initialbreathing assessment, the corporate training system 100 may beconfigured to perform a respiratory fitness training session on theparticipant, as illustrated in FIG. 7 and described below.

If the corporate training system 100 determines that a participant doesnot require respiratory fitness training, the corporate training system100 may be configured to perform a challenge/recovery stress assessment(or heart rate variability (HRV) training) on the participant to monitorin real time, using one or more sensors/devices as described above, thephysiological changes that occur during computer generated activities. Acomputer generated activity may include a set number of active tasks anda set number of resting periods. For example, a computer generatedactivity may involve requiring the participant to solve a puzzle withina certain time. The corporate training system 100 specifically selectsand designs a particular task or activity to monitor one or moreparameters such as, but not limited to, time pressure, anticipation,competition, multitasking, startle, and learning. On completion of aparticular task or activity, the corporate training system 100 evaluatesa participant's physiological response to determine how a participant isable to handle situations involving the above parameters and how quicklya participant is able to recover from the situation.

Additionally, during the computer generated activities, continualbreathing assessment is performed. The corporate training system 100utilizes the breathing assessment information gathered during thecomputer generated activities along with breathing assessmentinformation gathered from rest to the start of an activity, and fromstop of the activity to recovery, to identify any imbalance in aparticipant's autonomic nervous system.

Based on the determined physiological response of the participant to thecomputer generated activities and the participant's profile informationand goals, the corporate training system 100, at step 430, selects ordesigns one or more active imagination sessions for the participant fortraining the participant to better balance his/her physiologicalresponses to situations involving the above parameters. In oneembodiment, the active imagination session is designed or selected toenable a participant to best achieve an alpha state (i.e., when mostalpha waves are present) in order for a participant to activate his/herrelaxation response. As discussed above, the corporate training system100 may monitor the participant's brain waves using the QEEG device 125to determine different states of awareness.

As an example, one active imagination session may involve a participantexamining a particular issue personal to the participant. This personalissue may be determined based on the user profile information. Theparticipant may be given multiple paths/choices in which the participantis encouraged to explore for dealing with the issue. During the activeimagination session, the participant's physiological responses aremonitored by the corporate training system 100 in real time using one ormore sensors/devices as described above. The corporate training system100 is configured to dynamically select and/or modify an in-processactive imagination session to enable a participant to alter his/her bodyand state of consciousness to better balance and control his/herphysiological responses. For example, the active imagination session mayinclude customize audio or audio/video specifically designed for theparticular participant to activate a relaxation response. Additionally,the active imagination session may include alternative paths for aparticipant to alter a training script. The choices of alternative pathsthat may be presented may be based on the real-time physiologicalresponses of the participant during the active imagination sessionand/or may also be based on prior paths selected by a participant.

Each of the active imagination training sessions may be the same or maybe different so as to focus on one or more of the particular parametersor goals as identified above. For example, if one of the participant'sgoals is to be more creative, the active imagination training sessionmay require interaction with the participant in which the participantgenerates a new storyline or decision path. As another example, if oneof the participant goals is to be more flexible or adaptive, the activeimagination session may include lots of unexpected issues and requirethat the participant be able to quickly adapt and make decisions.

The corporate training system is configured, at step 435, to monitor andstore the history/results of the active imagination training sessionsfor enabling the system to continually modify and improve eachsubsequent active imagination training session so as to achieve the bestresults for each individual participant. The corporate training system100 may also be configured to dynamically adjust the suggested number ofimagination training sessions based on the real-time feedback, history,and goals of the participant. The corporate training system 100 may alsobe configured to provide reports of performance for benchmarking andprogress tracking. A goal of the corporate training system 100 is toenable the participant to be able to maintain a balance mind and bodyand to be able to regulate physiology changes outside of the activeimagination session for improving his every day work-relatedperformance.

In one embodiment, the corporate training system 100 may be configuredwith three packaged levels of training, e.g., an introductory program, abasic program, and an elite program. The corporate training system 100may include algorithms for initially determining which training programis best suited for a participant based on the participant's user profileinformation. For example, if the corporate training system 100 initiallydetermined that the participant requires only the introductory program,then only one active imagination training session is performed. Thebasic program may require that the participant perform at least twoactive imagination training sessions, and the elite program may requirethat the participant perform at least five active imagination trainingsessions. Depending on a particular program and the results of an activeimagination session, the corporate training system 100 may determine, atstep 440, whether a participant should perform additional activeimagination training session(s) or other types of training.

In addition, the corporate training system 100 may also provideadditional suggestive training 445 that a participant may perform on hisown to further improve his work-related performance. For example, thecorporate training system 100 may recommend that a participant performat home meditation or other relaxation techniques. The corporatetraining system 100 may also recommend that a participant utilize athome monitoring devices (e.g., a heart rate monitor) for enabling theparticipant to self-monitor and regulate his physiological changesduring regular daily activities.

Thus, the above process describes an example embodiment of a trainingprogram that is performed by the corporate training system 100 forimproving a participants' work-related performance. Although the abovedescription describes separate ordered steps, the corporate trainingsystem 100 may be configured to perform any of the above steps in anyparticular order and/or combine certain steps together so as to enhancea particular training program. For instance, depending on a particularprogram, goal, and/or results, the corporate training system 100 may beconfigured to perform the heart rate variability (HRV) training andrespiratory fitness training session simultaneously.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a respiratory fitness trainingsession. At step 710, the corporate training system 100 determinesbaseline measurements, using a capnometer or capnograph, from aparticipant during normal breathing. At step 720, the corporate trainingsystem sets a respiratory rate and directs the participant to follow thebreathing pattern of a mechanical pacer to achieve the set respiratoryrate. The corporate training system displays the real-time breathingdata of a participant for enabling the participant to observe theirbreathing mechanics and breathing chemistry in real time.

At step 730, the corporate training system 100 may be configured toinstruct the participant to either discuss and/or think about certaintopics or issues to elicit a physiological response. In someembodiments, the corporate training system may be configured to displaya story, a computer generated activity, images, video, or other types ofstimuli for eliciting a physiological response from the participant. Incertain embodiments, the corporate training system displays thereal-time breathing data throughout the process for enabling theparticipant to observe changes in their physiology.

Based on the real-time feedback, the corporate training system, at step740, evaluates and readjusts the parameters continuously to optimize andenable the participation to learn and control his/her breathing toachieve proper breathing mechanics during various situations.

Below are data tables containing reference values that may be utilizedby the corporate training system 100 to assess whether the participantis sympathetic, parasympathetic, or balance based on the measurementsfrom one or more sensors/devices.

EIS - BRAIN MODELING PARASYMPA- SYMPA- BRAIN SECTION THETIC BALANCEDTHETIC FRONTAL (RT) <= to −30 −20 to +20 >= +30 FRONTAL (LT) <= to −30−20 to +20 >= +30 TEMPERAL (RT) <= to −30 −20 to +20 >= +30 TEMPERAL(LT) <= to −30 −20 to +20 >= +30 AMYDALA <= to +30 −20 to +20 >= +30AMYDALA <= to +30 −20 to +20 >= +30 HYPOTHALMUS <= to −30 −20 to +20 >=+30

NEUROTRANS- PARASYMPA- SYMPA- MITTERS: THETIC BALANCED THETIC SEROTOIN<= to −30 −20 to +20 >= +30 DOPAMINE <= to −30 −20 to +20 >= +30CATECHOLAMINES <= to −30 −20 to +20 >= +30 ACETYCHOLINE >= to +30 −20 to+20 <= to −30

PARASYMPA- SYMPA- HORMONES: THETIC BALANCED THETIC CORTISOL <= to −30−20 to +20 >= +30 DHEA <= to −30 −20 to +20 >= to −30 ADRENO- <= to −30−20 to +20 >= +30 MEDULLARY

ANDRENALS/ PARASYMPA- SYMPA- KIDNEYS THETIC BALANCED THETIC ADRENALS <=to −30 −20 to +20 >= +30 KIDNEYS <= to −30 −20 to +20 >= −30

NEUROVEGA- PARASYMPA- SYMPA- TATIVE: THETIC BALANCED THETIC HEART <= to−30 −20 to +20 >= +30 LUNG <= to −30 −20 to +20 >= +30 STOMACH <= to −30−20 to +20 >= +30 SMALL INTESTINE <= to −30 −20 to +20 >= +30 LARGEINTESTINE >= to +30 −20 to +20 >= +30 LIVER — −20 to +20 >= +30KIDNEY >= +30 −20 to +20 <= +30 ADRENAL — −20 to +20 >= +30

PARASYMPATHETIC BALANCED SYMPATHETIC Other: PH >= to 7.41 7.35-7.40 <=7.34 RESPIRATIONS: BASELINE SHALLOW, RHYTHMIC RAPID, IRREGULAR IRREGULARTASK NO CHANGE INCREASE RAPID, RESPIRATONS IRREGULAR RECOVERY NO CHANGERETURN TO RAPID, BASELINE IRREGULAR CAPNOTRAINER: END-TIDAL CO2: BELOW35   35-45 below 35 RATE:  <6   6-14 >14 HRV HIGH NORMAL LOW/VERY LOWPOWER SPECTRUM  .15-.4 HZ  1.0 HZ  .04-.15 HZ

SKIN PARASYMPA- TEMPERATURE: THETIC BALANCED SYMPATHETIC BASELINE LOWNORMAL NORMAL OR LOW TASK NO CHANGE DROP OF 1 DROP 1-2 DEGREE DEGREE F FRECOVERY NO CHANGE RETURNS TO REMAINS LOW NORMAL

SKIN PARASYMPA- CONDUCTIVITY:: THETIC BALANCED SYMPATHETIC BASELINE — —— TASK NO CHANGE INCREASE 1-2 INCREASE OVER MICRO 3 RECOVERY NO CHANGERETURN TO REMAINS HIGH BASELINE

PARASYMPA- HEART RATE: THETIC BALANCED SYMPATHETIC BASELINE SLOWERREGULAR NORMAL OR LOW TASK NO CHANGE INCREASE 10-20 DROP 1-2 DEGREEBEATS/MIN F RECOVERY NO CHANGE RETURN TO BL REMAINS LOW WITHIN 1 MINUTE

MUSCLE PARASYMPA- TENSION: THETIC BALANCED SYMPATHETIC BASELINE — 1.5-4.UV above 4.0 UV TASK — INCREASE INCREASE RECOVERY — RETURN TO BL REMAINSHIGH

In addition to training a participant to improve user-specified goals,in some embodiments, the corporate training system 100 may be configuredto generate a profile for the participant that identifies and recommendsparticular goals or needs of the participant using the abovephysiological measurements and other user profile information such asbehavior characteristics. For instance, based on the behavioralcharacteristics of the participant (e.g., disoriented, confused, poormemory, lack of focus, and passive) and the physiological measurementsof the participant, the corporate training system 100 may determine thatthe participant fits a parasympathetic client profile indicating thatthe participant needs motivation, accountability, short task, short-termgoals, and a precise clear plan of action. Similarly, based on thebehavioral characteristics and physiological measurements, the corporatetraining system may determine that the participant fits a sympatheticclient profile or a balance client profile. Based on the determinedclient profile, the corporate training system 100 is then able todynamically design the training program (e.g., what technique ortechnology to use, the type of computer generated activities, type ofactive imagination session, the number training sessions, etc.) thatbest suits the participant to achieve better work-related performance.

FIG. 8 illustrates a training method 800 for improving work-relatedperformance in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The trainingmethod 800 begins at step 802 by receiving, loading, and/or updating aparticipant's information. The participant information may be newinformation and/or may include information from any prior trainingsessions. At step 804, an initial breathing assessment is performed todetermine whether the participant's carbon dioxide level is normal. Ifthe participant's carbon dioxide level is determined at step 806 to beat or above normal, the process, at step 810, performs and determinesthe physiological measurements values during a capnotrainer session.During the capnotrainer session, the process observes, evaluates, andlearns a participant's breathing behavior. Based on the results of thecapnotrainer session, the process initiates by selecting or designing anactive imagination session at step 814. The process monitors thereal-time physiological results including neural feedback results duringthe active imagination session at step 820. At step 824, the process maymodify or initiate a new active imagination session based on thereal-time physiological results so as to best enable the participant tobe able to control and maintain a balance system.

At step 830, the process combines and stores the current physiologicalreal-time results with any previous history of the participant, andgenerates, at step 834, a performance report for the participant toenable progress tracking, with the process terminating thereafter.Additionally, the process may be configured to be benchmarking theresults of the training program against the previous results of theparticipant, against the previous results of other participants, and/orother perform statistically analysis on the results such as determiningaverages, median, peaks, lows, etc.

However, if, at step 806, the process determines that the participant'scarbon dioxide level is below normal, then the process, at step 836,performs and determines the physiological measurements values of achallenge/recovery stress assessment during HRV training. At step 838,the process determine whether additional at home training is neededbased on the results of the challenge/recovery stress assessment beforeenabling the participant to participate in an active imaginationtraining session. If the process determines that the participant isunable at this time to perform an active imagination training session,the process at step 840 determines one or more at home trainingexercises that the participant should perform off-site. Examples ofadditional at home training may include breathing mechanics training toimprove breathing behavior; stress reduction and emotional managementtraining to improve health, stamina, and to enable a participant tomaintain personal balance; and meditation designed to relax, relieve andrestore your life's balance. If the process determines, based on theresults of the challenge/recovery stress assessment, that theparticipant is able to partake in an active imagination trainingsession, the process, at step 810, performs and determines thephysiological measurements values during a capnotrainer session andcontinues the process as previously described above.

All or a portion of the above method may be repeated as necessary in thesame or additional training sessions to achieve a desired result. Forexample, FIG. 9 illustrates a process 900 specifically targeted towardsimproving creativity, memory, relaxation, and sleep. Process 900 begins,at step 902, by receiving, loading, and/or updating a participant'sinformation to enable the process to measure and track shifts inphysical and mental response including attitude, behavior, and beliefs.The participant information may be new information and/or may includeinformation from any prior training sessions. At step 904, the processinitiates an Active Imagination session. The process, at step 906,determines the real-time the heart rate variability (HRV) andrespiratory fitness training results. At step 908, the process modifiesthe Active Imagination session based on the real-time results so as tobest enable the participant to be able to control and maintain a relax,creative state. The process continues monitoring and updating the ActiveImagination session for a predetermined time and/or until apredetermined result is achieved by the participant. At step 910, theprocess generates a report based on the Active Imagination session forbenchmarking and progress tracking of the participant's training.

Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments provide a corporate trainingsystem and method for improving work-related performance. The abovedescription including the hardware and software description is intendedmerely as an example embodiment and is not intended to limit thestructure, process, or implementation of the disclosed embodiments.

Aspects of the disclosed embodiments, as outlined above, may be embodiedin programming. Program aspects of the technology may be thought of as“products” or “articles of manufacture” typically in the form ofexecutable code and/or associated data that is carried on or embodied ina type of machine readable medium. Tangible non-transitory “storage”type media include any or all of the memory or other storage for thecomputers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, suchas various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives, optical ormagnetic disks, and the like, which may provide storage at any time forthe software programming. In addition, certain aspects of the disclosedembodiments described herein may be implemented as firmware,firmware/software combination, firmware/hardware combination, or ahardware/firmware/software combination.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the bestmode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modificationsmay be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may beimplemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may beapplied in numerous applications, only some of which have been describedherein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and allapplications, modifications, and variations that fall within the truescope of the present teachings.

We claim:
 1. A computer implemented method for selecting and altering atraining session for improving work performance, the computerimplemented method comprising: selecting a training script designed toelicit a certain physiological response from a participant that affectswork performance; monitoring real-time physiological responses of theparticipant during the training script; providing alternative paths forthe participant to alter the training script based on the real-timephysiological responses of the participant during the training script,wherein the alternative paths are intended to assist the participant incoping with the real-time physiological responses; and altering thetraining with an alternative path in response to a participant selectionof the alternative path.
 2. The computer implemented method of claim 1,further comprising receiving user profile information associated withthe participant.
 3. The computer implemented method of claim 2, whereinselecting the training script is performed automatically based on theuser profile information.
 4. The computer implemented method of claim 2,further comprising: presenting a set of training scripts to theparticipant based on the user profile information; and wherein selectingthe training script is performed by receiving a selection from theparticipant of the training script from the set of training scripts. 5.The computer implemented method of claim 2, further comprising: storingthe real-time physiological responses of the participant during thetraining script; and updating the user profile information with resultsof the training script.
 6. The computer implemented method of claim 2,wherein the user profile information includes a learning style and anintelligence assessment associated with the participant.
 7. The computerimplemented method of claim 2, wherein the user profile informationincludes work related performance goals of the participant.
 8. Thecomputer implemented training method of claim 2, wherein the trainingscript and the alternative paths are personalized to the participantbased on the user profile information.
 9. The computer implementedmethod of claim 1, further comprising: determining baseline assessmentvalues for the participant prior to initiating the training script; anddetermining post training assessment values for the participant aftercompletion of the training script.
 10. The computer implemented methodof claim 1, further comprising dynamically altering the training scriptduring the training script based on the real-time physiologicalresponses of the participant during the training script.
 11. Thecomputer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising dynamicallyaltering future alternative paths presented during the training scriptbased on the real-time physiological responses of the participant duringthe training script and based on prior selection of the alternativepath.
 12. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein monitoringreal-time physiological responses of the participant during the trainingscript includes monitoring breathing, brainwave activity, andparasympathetic nervous system response.
 13. The computer implementedmethod of claim 1, further comprising displaying to the participant, thereal-time physiological responses of the participant during the trainingscript to enable the participant to better control their response.
 14. Asystem for selecting and altering a training session for improving workperformance, the system comprising: a data storage component for storingdata and executable instructions; a communication interface configuredto receive user profile information associated with a participant; aprocessor configured to execute the executable instructions to: select atraining script designed to elicit a certain physiological response fromthe participant that affects work performance; monitor real-timephysiological responses of the participant during the training script;provide alternative paths for the participant to alter the trainingscript based on the real-time physiological responses of the participantduring the training script, wherein the alternative paths are intendedto assist the participant in coping with the real-time physiologicalresponses; and alter the training with an alternative path in responseto a participant selection of the alternative path.
 15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to execute theexecutable instructions to automatically select the training scriptbased on the user profile information.
 16. The system of claim 14,wherein the processor is further configured to execute the executableinstructions to dynamically alter the training script during thetraining script based on the real-time physiological responses of theparticipant during the training script.
 17. The system of claim 14,wherein the processor is further configured to execute the executableinstructions to dynamically alter future alternative paths presentedduring the training script based on the real-time physiologicalresponses of the participant during the training script and based onprior selection of the alternative path.
 18. A computer program product,comprising a non-transitory computer usable medium having a computerreadable program code embodied therein, said computer readable programcode adapted to be executed to: receive user profile informationassociated with a participant; select a training script designed toelicit a certain physiological response from the participant thataffects work performance; monitor real-time physiological responses ofthe participant during the training script; provide alternative pathsfor the participant to alter the training script based on the real-timephysiological responses of the participant during the training script,wherein the alternative paths are intended to assist the participant incoping with the real-time physiological responses; and alter thetraining with an alternative path in response to a participant selectionof the alternative path.
 19. The computer program product of claim 18,wherein said computer readable program code is further adapted to beexecuted to dynamically alter the training script during the trainingscript based on the real-time physiological responses of the participantduring the training script.
 20. The computer program product of claim18, wherein said computer readable program code is further adapted to beexecuted to alter future alternative paths presented during the trainingscript based on the real-time physiological responses of the participantduring the training script and based on prior selection of thealternative path.